Wednesday, March 13, 2013

The cost of your health care (and in turn, your health insurance) is not the only thing impacted by Obamacare. Increased health insurance premiums will impact virtually everything you buy from groceries to gasoline.But humans aren't the only ones feeling the bite.Pet care will get more expensive.Veterinarian offices that provide health insurance for their employees will pass the increased costs along to pet owners but there is a second layer of Obamacare costs that will be in your 2014 vet bills.Why will vet bills go up?

Its part of a new 2.3-percent federal excise tax on certain medical devices that just went into effect. The tax will help fund the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, intended for people, not pets. Manufacturers pay the tax, but a recent survey found more than half plan to pass it along.

Some vets say they can’t afford it. Dr. Mike Hatcher is one of them. He explained, “I’m extremely concerned how this is going to be a hidden tax to our consumers that is going to be passed on.”

Hidden taxes are a specialty of Congress. They are masters of spinning new taxes as hurting someone else, not you.

No hiding this one.

Medical devices used only on animals are exempt. However, items including IV pumps, sterile scalpels and anesthesia equipment, which are medical devices that have a dual use, meaning they can be used on people and animals, will be taxed. Hatcher said, “Putting off an equipment purchase is something that can terribly affect our clients’ ability to have quality care.”

The cost of your health care (and in turn, your health insurance) is not the only thing impacted by Obamacare. Increased health insurance premiums will impact virtually everything you buy from groceries to gasoline.But humans aren't the only ones feeling the bite.Pet care will get more expensive.Veterinarian offices that provide health insurance for their employees will pass the increased costs along to pet owners but there is a second layer of Obamacare costs that will be in your 2014 vet bills.Why will vet bills go up?

Its part of a new 2.3-percent federal excise tax on certain medical devices that just went into effect. The tax will help fund the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, intended for people, not pets. Manufacturers pay the tax, but a recent survey found more than half plan to pass it along.

Some vets say they can’t afford it. Dr. Mike Hatcher is one of them. He explained, “I’m extremely concerned how this is going to be a hidden tax to our consumers that is going to be passed on.”

Hidden taxes are a specialty of Congress. They are masters of spinning new taxes as hurting someone else, not you.

No hiding this one.

Medical devices used only on animals are exempt. However, items including IV pumps, sterile scalpels and anesthesia equipment, which are medical devices that have a dual use, meaning they can be used on people and animals, will be taxed. Hatcher said, “Putting off an equipment purchase is something that can terribly affect our clients’ ability to have quality care.”